Ivan Ukhov and Ariane Friedrich To Open In Hustopece

Reigning European Indoor champions Ivan Ukhov of Russia and German Ariane Friedrich will open their 2011 international indoor campaign at the second leg of 7th Moravia High Jump Tour in Hustopece, Czech Republic, organizers say.

The champion high jumpers who will start as the title defenders and meet record holders, will open the season at the meeting to be held on Jan. 29.

“I love Hustopece, I always jump high there,” Ukhov said on the IAAF website.

“I want to defend not only the European indoor title from Torino this winter but also my position as number one jumper,” the Russian added.

Friedrich, who set a meeting record of 2.00m in 2009, won the event with a 1.95m clearance last year. She’ll be making her fourth appearance in Hustopece and loves to start her season there.

She said: “In last three years I started my indoor season in Hustopece. That is the reason why I’m returning.

“I know the place and I also know you can jump high there.”

“Currently my training is going well and I’m preparing for the indoor season with full speed. A good beginning is always important and the season is also important because I should defend my (European indoor) title in Paris,” Friedrich added.